Primary tabs
Teaching
The MPhil in World History is a nine-month full-time programme, which combines formal teaching with the integration of students into the research culture of the History Faculty by joining a group of researchers within a field.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all World History students, and two ‘option’ modules from a list published by the Faculty, each of which is assessed through an essay.
The core course is historiographically based, engaging students with key scholarship, classic texts, and their revisions. Several origins and traditions of world history, global history, transnational history, and regional history will be established and questioned in student-led seminar discussion.
The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in world history includes:
The Caribbean in World History
Christianity, Identity, and Politics in Modern Africa
Empires in Comparative Perspective
Gender and Society in South Asia
Sovereignty in World History
Students will also study a language, as agreed with the MPhil Director. This is normally chosen from those offered by the University’s Language Centre (at a preliminary, intermediate, or advanced level). This is not an assessed element of the course but will help students develop the skills required to complete an MPhil in World History.
In addition, students are expected to attend and fully participate in the weekly world history research seminars and postgraduate workshop.
| One to one supervision | All students admitted to the MPhil in World History will be assigned a supervisor to work with them throughout the course, but crucially on the dissertation. Students will meet regularly with their supervisor for one-on-one supervisions throughout the course. The frequency of supervisions will vary depending on the time of year, with the regularity of meetings increasing as the year progresses and the student begins to focus more on the dissertation. Students can expect at least one supervision session per term and normally eight across the year. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes | All students will take the core course, Debates in World History, which consists of eight two-hour seminars throughout Michaelmas term. Students will also select two modules from a list of options offered by the Faculty's MPhil courses: one in Michaelmas and one in Lent term. Each option consists of seven or eight two-hour seminars. Students are expected to attend the weekly world history research seminars and postgraduate workshop. Language classes will vary according to Language Centre availability and arrangements for history-specific language options. A standard Cambridge University Language Programme expects two hours of self-study per week through Michaelmas and Lent terms. |
| Lectures | Although not compulsory, students are welcome to attend relevant undergraduate lectures as indicated by their supervisor. |
| Posters and Presentations | All students will present their work at least once during the academic year and will receive feedback from academics and peers on their work in progress. This is not an assessed element of the course but is a valuable feedback tool for the dissertation. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Equal Taught/Research |
Feedback
Students will receive regular constructive feedback throughout the MPhil.
Students can expect to receive:
- regular oral feedback from their supervisor, as well as termly online feedback reports
- written feedback on essays and assessments
- oral feedback from peers during postgraduate workshops and seminars
- written and oral feedback on the dissertation proposal essay to be discussed with their supervisor
- formal written feedback from two examiners after examination of dissertation.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students submit a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words, worth 70% of the overall mark. The dissertation is Part II of the MPhil.
At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Essays
Students submit an essay of 3,000 – 4,000 words for each of the three taught modules (the core course and two options). Each essay is worth 10% of the final degree mark, for a total of 30%. Taken together, these essays form Part I of the MPhil.
Students also prepare a 2,000-word dissertation proposal essay due in Lent term. This essay is not assessed, but students will meet with their supervisor to discuss the proposal and receive feedback in preparation for the dissertation.
Practical assessment
Students will also undertake language training. Language Centre courses may involve practical assessments, although these do not contribute to the overall mark for the MPhil.